Physical activity and preference for selected macronutrients

Objective: The impact of physical exercise on macronutrient preferences was examined with a perspective to improve preventive and therapeutic strategi es of obesity. Design: The literature was reviewed pertaining to the acute effects of physical activity and the short-term and chronic effects of exer cise training on macronutrient preferences. Results: The presently availabl e literature does not permit to establish a consensus regarding the impact of physical activity, be it acute or long-term, on macronutrient selection. However, one observation stands out and that is the fact that dietary fat intake needs to be controlled in order for exercise to produce a negative e nergy and fat balance. Conclusion: Because active individuals do not system atically choose foods that are low in fat content, it is important to provi de nutritional guidelines in a context where physical activity aims at redu cing or better controlling body weight.